Some attribute had departed from her, the permanence of which had been essential to keep her a woman. Such is frequently the fate, and such the stern development, of the feminine character and person, when the woman has encountered, and lived through, an experience of peculiar severity. If she be all tenderness, she will die. If she survive, the tenderness will either be crushed out of her, or-and the outward semblance is the same-crushed so deeply into her heart that it can never show itself more.
The quote reflects on the profound changes that a woman undergoes after experiencing severe hardships. It suggests that such experiences can strip away essential qualities that define her femininity, leading to a loss of tenderness and compassion. The implication is that enduring extremities may result in deep emotional scars, altering her character indelibly.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the dichotomy of survival for women facing severe trials. While some may lose their innate tenderness entirely, others may internalize it so deeply that it becomes hidden from view. This highlights the tremendous impact of suffering on a woman's identity, suggesting a permanent shift in her emotional landscape.